September 28, 2025 Sunday Worship Service
Prelude
Call to Worship Psalms 105:7
Hymn JBC # 507 He leadeth me! O blessed tho’t!
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC # 321 Years I spent in vanity and pride
The Lord’s Supper
Offering
Scripture Acts 7:1~16
Prayer
Sermon “Our Father Abraham”
Prayer
Hymn JBC # 255 Face to face with Christ, my Saviour
Doxology JBC #$ 673
Benediction
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Ancient people believed that the Earth was the center of the universe, and that other stars and objects in space revolved around us. This is known as the geocentric theory.
Thanks to the results of scientific research and discoveries, we no longer believe the geocentric theory. Instead, we believe the heliocentric theory (the idea that the earth revolves around the sun) to be true.
However, I believe our way of life still reflects belief in geocentric theory (that the world revolves around us) or that we believe it should be that way.
We normally view things that happen to ourselves from our own perspective. In other words, we judge our surroundings using ourselves as a standard based on what we desire (or what we believe to be right).
However, if we know (acknowledge) that we are not the center of the universe, I think the way we view what happens in the world around us, the people around us, and how we interact with people will change greatly.
If we are not the center of the universe or the things, then what is?
The Bible teaches that this world was created with a particular goal by the One.
If that is the case, then it is natural to think that God, the Creator of the world, is the center of the universe.
The Bible teaches that God, the Creator of the universe, was born as a man and came to this world. Jesus Christ is the man who God came as.
Since we had sinned and become separated from God (God’s purpose), Jesus Christ came to show us who God is (and what His purpose is).
Christ came to this world so that through Him we can know how deep God’s love is. To know God’s love is one of the major purposes of our life.
The Bible teaches us that the world is actually centered around God, and invites us to accept that God became man as Jesus Christ and that Jesus Christ is God and God is love.
When we learn to see the circumstances around us and the world not from our own perspective, but with God at the center, a change occurs.
This is that, no matter what type of situation, even if it is disadvantageous or dangerous, it can be used for a better (God’s) purpose.
Today’s Bible passage is in the beginning of Acts Chapter 7. Stephen is being tried by the Jewish high officials for believing in and evangelizing about Christ.
From today's passage, we are made to know the figure of a man who live in God's hope, even in situations that are critical and disadvantageous for them, and even when surrounded by many enemies.
Let’s listen to the words of God spoken through Stephen in today’s Bible passage.
The high priest asked Stephen if the charges against him were true. The Jews had charged Stephen with blaspheming God.
The Jews accused Stephen of blaspheming God, the great prophet Moses, and God’s holy place (the temple) and law (the words of Scripture).
However, these were false testimonies (lies). They were baseless accusations. The Jews merely hated Stephen, and so brought false charges against him in order to make him be found guilty.
To Stephen this was a dangerous situation. If he did not prove his innocence, his life was in danger.
However, when Stephen was asked if the charges against him were true, how did he respond? Stephen did not even to attempt to defend himself in the slightest.
Stephen merely thought of this dangerous situation as a perfect opportunity to share about God.
Stephen must have had conviction that God was with him. Therefore, (even more than his own desires) Stephen wanted to speak what God wanted him to speak.
To the high priest and others who brought charges against him, Stephen called out, “Brothers and fathers, listen to me!”
Rather than seeing those who brought charges against him as enemies, Stephen called them his brothers and fathers.
In Matthew 5:44 Jesus said, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” I wonder we would assume if such a thing is even possible (surely it is impossible).
However, we can see a believer who truly lived out Jesus’ words in Stephen in today’s passage.
Stephen was able to call the very people who were after his own life, through faith in Jesus Christ, his brothers and fathers.
Stephen’s words and actions show that, through faith, other people, and even enemies can become family in God.
If you are suddenly told to love your enemies, you might be taken aback. However, it is well that we believe that believers who have actually lived these words out truly existed, and even now they exist.
I also believe that there are at least efforts we can make even now to become just a little more like these people.
Stephen begins by sharing about God’s story in Scripture, describing how God has continually chosen and saved Israel by talking about Abraham’s story in the Old Testament in ‘Genesis’.
The Lord’s first words (command) to Abraham, who was known as the father of the faith to the Jews, was to “leave his homeland and family and go to the place that He commanded”.
In Genesis 12, it is written that God appeared to Abraham and spoke to him as such.
The Lord had said to Abraham, “Go from your familiar country, your familiar people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.”
Life is certainly like going on a journey without being able to see what is ahead. There are times where you have to leave the places and family that you are accustomed to.
However, even if we do not know what will happen from now on or where we are headed, God who guides us is with us.
That is the promise God gave Abraham, as well as to those of us who believe in the same God.
As we read (or hear) the words of the Bible, pray, and open our hearts to God in faith, let us trust that God is with us and will show us where we need to go.
Verse 9 speaks about Abraham’s grandson, Joseph.
Many chapters in Genesis are about Joseph’s story.
Joseph was doted on (loved too much) by his father, Jacob, and because of this was shunned by his brothers (Joseph also did things himself that caused him to be shunned by his brothers). In verse 9, “the patriarchs” refers to Joseph’s brothers.
Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt. Through this action of selling their brother into slavery, it is clear to see how much Joseph’s brothers hated him.
However, God never left Joseph, and he came to be used by the Pharaoh, king of Egypt, eventually rising to be the minister of all of the kingdom of Egypt.
Joseph’s story is clearly detailed in ‘Genesis’, so I encourage all of you to read it.
Joseph’s immaturity and arrogance in personality and action also played part in making his brothers jealous of him.
However, just as written in verse 9, God never left Joseph.
In the same way the God of the Bible, the Creator of heaven and Earth is a God who will never leave us or abandon us. Jesus Christ, our God, is God who is with us.
Because God is with us, even if we are in suffering, difficulties, or worry, we can live in peace.
The God who is with us is greater than any suffering, difficulty, or worry, so we can trust in Him, God who created the world and us with his purpose and we can be at peace.
Joseph is eventually reunited with his father Jacob and his brothers. His father, brothers and other family all come to live in Egypt from Canaan.
However, when his father Jacob dies, Joseph’s brothers were afraid. They were afraid that Joseph was still upset that they had sold him to slavery and was planning to get revenge on them.
However, this is what Joseph said to his fearful brothers.
Genesis 50:19～20
“Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
If he were only thinking about himself, Joseph was in a place where he could take revenge on his brothers, and would even be justified in doing so.
However, more than thinking of himself, Joseph was able to see that what happened between him and his brothers, in God’s great plan, was for good, and even the evil things that people do can be changed for good.
Joseph realized that his brothers selling him into slavery, as well as his own actions that played part in causing that, were all used by God so that many people’s lives would be saved.
Joseph became able to see his own life, his brothers, and the world through God’s perspective, rather than his own self-centered one.
Jesus Christ came to the world to tell people about how God saves man (the gospel). However, people crucified Christ and killed him out of jealousy and resentment.
However, God can change even that human evil into something good. Christ’s cross saved us from our sin.
Stephen spoke of how God’s plan for salvation for man had begun long before they were born, tracing it back even to the time of Abraham, the father of their faith.
Even now we are in that plan of salvation.
There are times where we experience very painful and difficult things.
However, no matter what happens, the God of salvation is with us, and we can trust that He will continue to save us.
Even if you cannot believe it clearly now, times will surely come when you look back on those times through Jesus Christ, you will see that God is with us and is protecting us.
Let us give thanks and trust in God who gives us this protection and grace.
Saturday, September 20, 2025
September 21, 2025 Sunday Worship Service
Prelude
Call to Worship 1 Kings 10:8
Hymn JBC # 2 Come, Thou almighty King
Hymn JBC # 321 Years I spent in vanity and pride
Offering
Confession of Faith
Scripture Acts 6:8~15
Prayer
Sermon “The wisdom the Spirit gave”
Prayer
Hymn JBC # 262 Holy Spirit, breathe on me
Doxology JBC #$ 673
Benediction
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
At the beginning of today’s passage (verse 8), it says: “Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.”
In the verses just before today’s passage, seven men, including Stephen, were chosen from among the disciples of Christ for the task of “distribution of food.”
The apostles (who were leaders among the believers) laid hands on the seven and prayed for them.
That prayer was for God’s grace and power to be poured upon them (the seven men), and for God’s guidance in their work.
That prayer was answered. Stephen, filled with God’s grace and power, came to perform works and signs to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Stephen was one of those chosen for the task of food distribution.
Yet, in today’s passage, Stephen is portrayed not just in that service role, but as a preacher and evangelist, like the apostles, proclaiming the gospel.
Although he was chosen for the task of distributing food, his gifts and calling were not limited to that work.
Perhaps, while faithfully serving in food distribution, his other gift—proclaiming the Word—was gradually drawn out and put to use.
In any case, the work of evangelism, preaching about the kingdom of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ, was not limited only to leaders such as the apostles.
I believe that in the early church, each disciple was able to speak the Word according to his or her gift.
Last week, a member of our church (who is not the pastor) preached at the worship service.
In our church, we sometimes ask believers who have been trusted and commissioned by the church, even if they are not pastors, to give a message during worship services.
As Christians, whether we are full-time evangelists or not, each of us can preach God's word according to our individual gifts.
And so, we hope to be a church where the various gifts given to each individual can be brought to life and put to good use under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
But in today’s passage, there were people who opposed Stephen’s ministry.
They were Jews from Cyrene and Alexandria (cities in North Africa) belonging to the “Synagogue of the Freedmen” (Jews once enslaved by Rome but later freed), and others from Cilicia and Asia (today’s Turkey region).
Although Jews, they were originally from outside Israel—likely the “Greek-speaking Jews” mentioned previous passages.
Since they adhered strictly to Jewish teachings and customs, they argued against Stephen’s preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
But verse 10 says, “They could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.”
Those who opposed Stephen probably tried to defeat him by reason and argument.
But words spoken with God’s wisdom and Spirit are stronger than any reasoning or debate—because God’s Word is truth.
Why is it that the words of Jesus in Scripture, and the Bible as a whole, move and touch our hearts so deeply?
Because the words of Scripture were written by people inspired by the Spirit of God, with His wisdom and Spirit—they are God’s true Word.
Not the result of human reasoning or debate, but God’s Word given through wisdom and Spirit—this Word has the power to stir and move our hearts.
It is on this true Word of Scripture that we must build our personal faith, and the faith of our church.
Those who opposed Stephen stirred up others, even the elders and teachers of the law, to seize him and bring him before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council).
When we imagine that scene where people were agitated, we are reminded how easily people can be incited, how quickly our emotions and hearts can be manipulated.
We too are fully capable of becoming like those who were incited in today's passage and even persuaded to give false testimony.
This is because we are weak and sinful. We sometimes want to suppress those who disagree with us in their thoughts and standings, even by force.
So how can we avoid being deceived or manipulated into falsehood?
It is by always listening to God’s Word, being rooted in it, and remaining in His truth.
By soaking in the love and grace of Christ, being thankful for forgiveness of our sins, and remaining humble before God and people.
By always being connected to His words and never letting go of God’s hand that holds us through His Word.
As spiritual (faithful) habits: we should read the Bible (hearing God’s voice), join in worship (remaining as part of Christ’s body), and continue in prayer (speaking to God).
And as God’s family, we must also encourage and support one another, so that we do not fall under evil influences or be misled by lies/falsehood.
Even though we are weak, the strong and gracious God always teaches us through His Word. Let us walk in obedience to His Word.
In today’s passage, people accused Stephen, saying: “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law,” and “This Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
But these were false testimonies. What Stephen was preaching was the truth of Lord Jesus Christ and the true love of God that Jesus preached.
Even when surrounded by malicious opposition, the passage ends with, “Stephen’s face was like the face of an angel.”
This shows that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and has Christ dwells in them can radiate the Christ-like light.
If Christ is at the center of our lives, though we are imperfect, we can radiate the light of Christ, just like angels.
As it says in 2 Corinthians 3:18:
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
It is through the Spirit of the Lord that we are enabled to reflect the light of Christ, the glory of God.
By believing in Christ and welcoming Him to dwell in us, we can shine His light and reflect His glory.
As God’s creation, what greater honor can there be than to reflect the glory of Christ and the glory of God?
Today, two people will confess their faith in Christ and receive baptism. This is a great joy for our church.
As we welcome our new family of faith, let us grow together as believers who put God’s Word into practice in both our lives and our words, and who shine the light of Christ into the world.
May Christ dwell in us, may His light shine through us, and may the world see that light.
Prelude
Call to Worship 1 Kings 10:8
Hymn JBC # 2 Come, Thou almighty King
Hymn JBC # 321 Years I spent in vanity and pride
Offering
Confession of Faith
Scripture Acts 6:8~15
Prayer
Sermon “The wisdom the Spirit gave”
Prayer
Hymn JBC # 262 Holy Spirit, breathe on me
Doxology JBC #$ 673
Benediction
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
At the beginning of today’s passage (verse 8), it says: “Now Stephen, a man full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.”
In the verses just before today’s passage, seven men, including Stephen, were chosen from among the disciples of Christ for the task of “distribution of food.”
The apostles (who were leaders among the believers) laid hands on the seven and prayed for them.
That prayer was for God’s grace and power to be poured upon them (the seven men), and for God’s guidance in their work.
That prayer was answered. Stephen, filled with God’s grace and power, came to perform works and signs to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Stephen was one of those chosen for the task of food distribution.
Yet, in today’s passage, Stephen is portrayed not just in that service role, but as a preacher and evangelist, like the apostles, proclaiming the gospel.
Although he was chosen for the task of distributing food, his gifts and calling were not limited to that work.
Perhaps, while faithfully serving in food distribution, his other gift—proclaiming the Word—was gradually drawn out and put to use.
In any case, the work of evangelism, preaching about the kingdom of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ, was not limited only to leaders such as the apostles.
I believe that in the early church, each disciple was able to speak the Word according to his or her gift.
Last week, a member of our church (who is not the pastor) preached at the worship service.
In our church, we sometimes ask believers who have been trusted and commissioned by the church, even if they are not pastors, to give a message during worship services.
As Christians, whether we are full-time evangelists or not, each of us can preach God's word according to our individual gifts.
And so, we hope to be a church where the various gifts given to each individual can be brought to life and put to good use under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
But in today’s passage, there were people who opposed Stephen’s ministry.
They were Jews from Cyrene and Alexandria (cities in North Africa) belonging to the “Synagogue of the Freedmen” (Jews once enslaved by Rome but later freed), and others from Cilicia and Asia (today’s Turkey region).
Although Jews, they were originally from outside Israel—likely the “Greek-speaking Jews” mentioned previous passages.
Since they adhered strictly to Jewish teachings and customs, they argued against Stephen’s preaching of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
But verse 10 says, “They could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.”
Those who opposed Stephen probably tried to defeat him by reason and argument.
But words spoken with God’s wisdom and Spirit are stronger than any reasoning or debate—because God’s Word is truth.
Why is it that the words of Jesus in Scripture, and the Bible as a whole, move and touch our hearts so deeply?
Because the words of Scripture were written by people inspired by the Spirit of God, with His wisdom and Spirit—they are God’s true Word.
Not the result of human reasoning or debate, but God’s Word given through wisdom and Spirit—this Word has the power to stir and move our hearts.
It is on this true Word of Scripture that we must build our personal faith, and the faith of our church.
Those who opposed Stephen stirred up others, even the elders and teachers of the law, to seize him and bring him before the Sanhedrin (the Jewish council).
When we imagine that scene where people were agitated, we are reminded how easily people can be incited, how quickly our emotions and hearts can be manipulated.
We too are fully capable of becoming like those who were incited in today's passage and even persuaded to give false testimony.
This is because we are weak and sinful. We sometimes want to suppress those who disagree with us in their thoughts and standings, even by force.
So how can we avoid being deceived or manipulated into falsehood?
It is by always listening to God’s Word, being rooted in it, and remaining in His truth.
By soaking in the love and grace of Christ, being thankful for forgiveness of our sins, and remaining humble before God and people.
By always being connected to His words and never letting go of God’s hand that holds us through His Word.
As spiritual (faithful) habits: we should read the Bible (hearing God’s voice), join in worship (remaining as part of Christ’s body), and continue in prayer (speaking to God).
And as God’s family, we must also encourage and support one another, so that we do not fall under evil influences or be misled by lies/falsehood.
Even though we are weak, the strong and gracious God always teaches us through His Word. Let us walk in obedience to His Word.
In today’s passage, people accused Stephen, saying: “This fellow never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law,” and “This Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”
But these were false testimonies. What Stephen was preaching was the truth of Lord Jesus Christ and the true love of God that Jesus preached.
Even when surrounded by malicious opposition, the passage ends with, “Stephen’s face was like the face of an angel.”
This shows that anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and has Christ dwells in them can radiate the Christ-like light.
If Christ is at the center of our lives, though we are imperfect, we can radiate the light of Christ, just like angels.
As it says in 2 Corinthians 3:18:
And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
It is through the Spirit of the Lord that we are enabled to reflect the light of Christ, the glory of God.
By believing in Christ and welcoming Him to dwell in us, we can shine His light and reflect His glory.
As God’s creation, what greater honor can there be than to reflect the glory of Christ and the glory of God?
Today, two people will confess their faith in Christ and receive baptism. This is a great joy for our church.
As we welcome our new family of faith, let us grow together as believers who put God’s Word into practice in both our lives and our words, and who shine the light of Christ into the world.
May Christ dwell in us, may His light shine through us, and may the world see that light.
Friday, September 12, 2025
September 14, 2025 Sunday (Respect for the Aged) Worship Service
Prelude
Call to Worship Psalms 90:12
Hymn JBC # 80 Father, we love You
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC # 321 Years I spent in vanity and pride
Offering
Scripture 1 Peter 4:7~11
Prayer
Sermon “The end of all things is near”
Prayer
Hymn JBC # 336 When the trumpet of the Lord shall sound
Doxology JBC #$ 673
Benediction
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
*Sermon script is not available today.
Saturday, September 6, 2025
September 7, 2025 Sunday Worship Service
Prelude
Call to Worship 1 Chronicles 17:26～27
Hymn JBC # 4 Come, Chr4istians, join to sing
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC # 321 Years I spent in vanity and pride
The Prayer Time
Testimony
Offering
Scripture Ats 6:1～7
Prayer
Sermon “The Ministry of the Word”
Prayer
Hymn JBC # 506 ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Doxology JBC #$ 673
Benediction
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Today's passage, Acts 6:1-7, contains much that challenges and instructs us as Christians and as the Christian church.
This passage clearly depicts the problems that arose within the early Christian church some 2,000 years ago.
The believers in the early Christian church were being persecuted by the Jewish authorities.
The twelve disciples of Christ, known as the apostles, beginning with Peter, began proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom of God and salvation in the name of Jesus Christ.
And the number of people who believed in them and became disciples of Christ grew.
In response, the Jewish priests, council members, and authorities tried to stop the apostles' missionary work. They imprisoned them, flogged them, and did everything they could to hinder their work.
Yet the apostles did not yield. In the passage immediately preceding today's passage, it is written that even after being flogged and forbidden to preach, the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41).
For the sake of Jesus Christ, they rejoiced that being persecuted for doing God's work meant drawing a little closer to the Lord Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of mankind.
This is a way of life that goes contrary to what this world values. In this life of faith, you find joy in being with Christ even amidst hardship and suffering.
It is also a way of life where, instead of hating or retaliating against those who persecuted them, they prayed even for their persecutors through Christ's love and mercy, desiring their salvation and continuing to proclaim the gospel.
Through the work of the apostles and other disciples, the number of disciples following Christ grew.
Today's passage describes how this increase in disciples led to a certain problem.
It says that as the number of disciples grew, problems arose not only from external persecution but also from within the church itself.
The Christian church is a gathering of people. Since no one is without sin, the church is also a gathering of sinful people.
Wherever people gather, problems, friction, and conflict inevitably arise. The Bible clearly states that this is unavoidable.
In today's passage, we encounter people referred to as “Hellenistic (*Greek-speaking) Jews” and “Hebraic (*Hebrew-speaking) Jews.”
Both were Jews, but the Greek-speaking Jews were those who had grown up outside Israel and had acquired Greek, the common language of the Mediterranean world at that time, as their mother tongue.
Historically, Israel had been ruled by the Assyrian Empire, the Babylonian Empire, and in Jesus' time, the Roman Empire. This led many Jews to leave Israel and live abroad (or be forced to live abroad).
Among those scattered and living in foreign lands, some returned to the homeland of their ancestors, Israel. These were the Greek-speaking Jews and the people mentioned in today's passage.
On the other hand, the Hebrew-speaking Jews were those born and raised in the land of Israel, whose mother tongue was Hebrew. One might say they were, in a sense, the “pure” Jews.
Though they were both Jews, differences in their primary language, as well as the cultures and environments in which they were raised, apparently led to various problems between them.
Today's passage depicts how the widows (women who had lost their husbands) among the Greek-speaking Jews were being disadvantaged in the daily distribution of food.
It seems likely that the Hebrew-speaking Jews held a position of greater privilege.
Though they were all Jews, their attention may have been focused on their differences—their distinct native languages, cultures, and backgrounds. This likely became the root of the problems.
We too often find ourselves drawn to the differences between us, the parts that clash, rather than seeking common ground. This frequently leads to problems and friction with others.
May we build better relationships by finding common ground and discovering each other's strengths (rather than focusing on differences and condemning them).
However, as depicted in today's passage, voicing complaints is not always a bad thing.
If someone feels dissatisfaction or grievance, or is actually suffering harm, bringing these things to light is necessary for resolving the problem.
If there are dissatisfactions or questions within the church, yet people are unable to voice them and the powerless must continue to endure, that is never a good thing.
While mutual consideration and courtesy are always required, when problems exist, we should not hide them or pretend they don't exist. Instead, we should bring them to light, face them head-on, and aim for resolution. Thus we should strive to be a church that can pray together earnestly.
How did the disciples handle this problem? Let us hear the words spoken by the twelve disciples, the apostles.
Here are verses 2 and 3.
“It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
The twelve apostles first reflected on what duty they themselves should prioritize.
And they came to the conclusion that the duty they must prioritize, the duty entrusted to the apostles by God and the church, was the ministry of the word of God, the ministry of prayer and the Word.
Distributing meals was also an important duty concerning the believers' lives. However, if the apostles devoted themselves to such duties and their most vital work—the ministry of prayer and the word—suffered as a result, it would not be good for the church as a whole.
God has given each of us different gifts. There is no superiority or inferiority among these gifts.
Both the ministry of prayer and the word, and the work of distributing food among the believers' gatherings, are precious works for the kingdom of God, as long as they are grounded in faith in Jesus Christ.
Let us all work to build up the Lord's church, recognizing and respecting the gifts given to one another, acknowledging that we cannot do everything alone, supporting each other, and allowing each other's gifts to be utilized.
In verse 2, it says, “The twelve apostles gathered all the disciples together.” When all the disciples gathered, it was like holding a church assembly in our church today.
Because the matter concerned the whole church and was important, all the disciples were gathered, and a discussion involving everyone took place.
Our church is a Baptist church. In Baptist churches, we place great importance on deciding matters vital to the church through prayer and discussion involving all members.
If we wanted to decide quickly, or make a more effective decision, it might be faster to have just a few capable individuals, or those with specialized knowledge on the matter, decide alone.
Listening to everyone's opinions, discussing them, and reconciling differing views is a process requiring great patience and takes time.
However, through such methods, we ensure that each person's thoughts and feelings are respected as much as possible, and we discover God's will through this process.
The apostles told the gathered disciples, “Choose seven men among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.”
The whole group agreed to this proposal, and the disciples themselves selected seven men who were full of faith and the Holy Spirit.
The apostles prayed and laid their hands on these seven men. They prayed that the chosen seven would be able to faithfully fulfill the task entrusted to them with sincere faith.
I believe it wasn't a case of simply choosing them and then leaving them to it. Rather, the apostles prayed for those chosen, continued to encourage them afterward, and kept praying for them.
When I (Sakai) was appointed pastor of Beppu International Baptist Church, during the installation service, the congregation laid their hands on me and prayed.
That prayer expressed everyone’s desire that the Holy Spirit's guidance would be richly given to me in my pastoral duties—the work of conveying God's Word entrusted to me by the congregation—and that I could devote myself fully to that work.
Through today's passage, I vividly recall that moment when you all laid your hands on me and prayed.
I am reminded anew of the paramount importance of the pastor's primary duties: preaching the Word and prayer. I earnestly ask you all to pray that I may devote myself to proclaiming the Word.
As I mentioned earlier, wherever people gather—even in the church, or rather, precisely because it is the church—problems will always arise. But the absence of problems is not what matters.
What matters is how we face those problems when they arise. It is vital that each member of the church, united in faith, can pray for one another, show mutual consideration, and confront those problems with love.
In today's passage, seven men full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit were chosen to ensure fairness in the distribution of food.
Were they somehow special people, different from us? No. God also richly gives the Holy Spirit and wisdom to us today.
If we ask God to give us the Holy Spirit and wisdom, He will surely grant them to us abundantly.
As disciples of Christ, each of us has a specific duty to fulfill. Let us continually ask Jesus to enable us to be faithful in that duty.
Prayer and the Word—these two are the most vital ministries not only for apostles, or in today's terms pastors and evangelists, but for every Christian and the Christian church.
Prayer is opening our hearts to converse spiritually with God, and the Word is the Bible and the message preached during worship services.
Prayer and the Word are our true spiritual nourishment, and serving through prayer and the Word is the precious duty entrusted solely to the Christian church.
Let us continue to be a Christian church that cherishes these treasures and gifts—prayer and the Word—which are uniquely given to the Christian church, and that devotes itself to this duty, serving the Word.
Prelude
Call to Worship 1 Chronicles 17:26～27
Hymn JBC # 4 Come, Chr4istians, join to sing
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC # 321 Years I spent in vanity and pride
The Prayer Time
Testimony
Offering
Scripture Ats 6:1～7
Prayer
Sermon “The Ministry of the Word”
Prayer
Hymn JBC # 506 ‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus
Doxology JBC #$ 673
Benediction
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Today's passage, Acts 6:1-7, contains much that challenges and instructs us as Christians and as the Christian church.
This passage clearly depicts the problems that arose within the early Christian church some 2,000 years ago.
The believers in the early Christian church were being persecuted by the Jewish authorities.
The twelve disciples of Christ, known as the apostles, beginning with Peter, began proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom of God and salvation in the name of Jesus Christ.
And the number of people who believed in them and became disciples of Christ grew.
In response, the Jewish priests, council members, and authorities tried to stop the apostles' missionary work. They imprisoned them, flogged them, and did everything they could to hinder their work.
Yet the apostles did not yield. In the passage immediately preceding today's passage, it is written that even after being flogged and forbidden to preach, the apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41).
For the sake of Jesus Christ, they rejoiced that being persecuted for doing God's work meant drawing a little closer to the Lord Jesus who died on the cross for the sins of mankind.
This is a way of life that goes contrary to what this world values. In this life of faith, you find joy in being with Christ even amidst hardship and suffering.
It is also a way of life where, instead of hating or retaliating against those who persecuted them, they prayed even for their persecutors through Christ's love and mercy, desiring their salvation and continuing to proclaim the gospel.
Through the work of the apostles and other disciples, the number of disciples following Christ grew.
Today's passage describes how this increase in disciples led to a certain problem.
It says that as the number of disciples grew, problems arose not only from external persecution but also from within the church itself.
The Christian church is a gathering of people. Since no one is without sin, the church is also a gathering of sinful people.
Wherever people gather, problems, friction, and conflict inevitably arise. The Bible clearly states that this is unavoidable.
In today's passage, we encounter people referred to as “Hellenistic (*Greek-speaking) Jews” and “Hebraic (*Hebrew-speaking) Jews.”
Both were Jews, but the Greek-speaking Jews were those who had grown up outside Israel and had acquired Greek, the common language of the Mediterranean world at that time, as their mother tongue.
Historically, Israel had been ruled by the Assyrian Empire, the Babylonian Empire, and in Jesus' time, the Roman Empire. This led many Jews to leave Israel and live abroad (or be forced to live abroad).
Among those scattered and living in foreign lands, some returned to the homeland of their ancestors, Israel. These were the Greek-speaking Jews and the people mentioned in today's passage.
On the other hand, the Hebrew-speaking Jews were those born and raised in the land of Israel, whose mother tongue was Hebrew. One might say they were, in a sense, the “pure” Jews.
Though they were both Jews, differences in their primary language, as well as the cultures and environments in which they were raised, apparently led to various problems between them.
Today's passage depicts how the widows (women who had lost their husbands) among the Greek-speaking Jews were being disadvantaged in the daily distribution of food.
It seems likely that the Hebrew-speaking Jews held a position of greater privilege.
Though they were all Jews, their attention may have been focused on their differences—their distinct native languages, cultures, and backgrounds. This likely became the root of the problems.
We too often find ourselves drawn to the differences between us, the parts that clash, rather than seeking common ground. This frequently leads to problems and friction with others.
May we build better relationships by finding common ground and discovering each other's strengths (rather than focusing on differences and condemning them).
However, as depicted in today's passage, voicing complaints is not always a bad thing.
If someone feels dissatisfaction or grievance, or is actually suffering harm, bringing these things to light is necessary for resolving the problem.
If there are dissatisfactions or questions within the church, yet people are unable to voice them and the powerless must continue to endure, that is never a good thing.
While mutual consideration and courtesy are always required, when problems exist, we should not hide them or pretend they don't exist. Instead, we should bring them to light, face them head-on, and aim for resolution. Thus we should strive to be a church that can pray together earnestly.
How did the disciples handle this problem? Let us hear the words spoken by the twelve disciples, the apostles.
Here are verses 2 and 3.
“It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. 3 Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them 4 and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word.”
The twelve apostles first reflected on what duty they themselves should prioritize.
And they came to the conclusion that the duty they must prioritize, the duty entrusted to the apostles by God and the church, was the ministry of the word of God, the ministry of prayer and the Word.
Distributing meals was also an important duty concerning the believers' lives. However, if the apostles devoted themselves to such duties and their most vital work—the ministry of prayer and the word—suffered as a result, it would not be good for the church as a whole.
God has given each of us different gifts. There is no superiority or inferiority among these gifts.
Both the ministry of prayer and the word, and the work of distributing food among the believers' gatherings, are precious works for the kingdom of God, as long as they are grounded in faith in Jesus Christ.
Let us all work to build up the Lord's church, recognizing and respecting the gifts given to one another, acknowledging that we cannot do everything alone, supporting each other, and allowing each other's gifts to be utilized.
In verse 2, it says, “The twelve apostles gathered all the disciples together.” When all the disciples gathered, it was like holding a church assembly in our church today.
Because the matter concerned the whole church and was important, all the disciples were gathered, and a discussion involving everyone took place.
Our church is a Baptist church. In Baptist churches, we place great importance on deciding matters vital to the church through prayer and discussion involving all members.
If we wanted to decide quickly, or make a more effective decision, it might be faster to have just a few capable individuals, or those with specialized knowledge on the matter, decide alone.
Listening to everyone's opinions, discussing them, and reconciling differing views is a process requiring great patience and takes time.
However, through such methods, we ensure that each person's thoughts and feelings are respected as much as possible, and we discover God's will through this process.
The apostles told the gathered disciples, “Choose seven men among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom.”
The whole group agreed to this proposal, and the disciples themselves selected seven men who were full of faith and the Holy Spirit.
The apostles prayed and laid their hands on these seven men. They prayed that the chosen seven would be able to faithfully fulfill the task entrusted to them with sincere faith.
I believe it wasn't a case of simply choosing them and then leaving them to it. Rather, the apostles prayed for those chosen, continued to encourage them afterward, and kept praying for them.
When I (Sakai) was appointed pastor of Beppu International Baptist Church, during the installation service, the congregation laid their hands on me and prayed.
That prayer expressed everyone’s desire that the Holy Spirit's guidance would be richly given to me in my pastoral duties—the work of conveying God's Word entrusted to me by the congregation—and that I could devote myself fully to that work.
Through today's passage, I vividly recall that moment when you all laid your hands on me and prayed.
I am reminded anew of the paramount importance of the pastor's primary duties: preaching the Word and prayer. I earnestly ask you all to pray that I may devote myself to proclaiming the Word.
As I mentioned earlier, wherever people gather—even in the church, or rather, precisely because it is the church—problems will always arise. But the absence of problems is not what matters.
What matters is how we face those problems when they arise. It is vital that each member of the church, united in faith, can pray for one another, show mutual consideration, and confront those problems with love.
In today's passage, seven men full of wisdom and the Holy Spirit were chosen to ensure fairness in the distribution of food.
Were they somehow special people, different from us? No. God also richly gives the Holy Spirit and wisdom to us today.
If we ask God to give us the Holy Spirit and wisdom, He will surely grant them to us abundantly.
As disciples of Christ, each of us has a specific duty to fulfill. Let us continually ask Jesus to enable us to be faithful in that duty.
Prayer and the Word—these two are the most vital ministries not only for apostles, or in today's terms pastors and evangelists, but for every Christian and the Christian church.
Prayer is opening our hearts to converse spiritually with God, and the Word is the Bible and the message preached during worship services.
Prayer and the Word are our true spiritual nourishment, and serving through prayer and the Word is the precious duty entrusted solely to the Christian church.
Let us continue to be a Christian church that cherishes these treasures and gifts—prayer and the Word—which are uniquely given to the Christian church, and that devotes itself to this duty, serving the Word.
Saturday, August 30, 2025
Sunday Worship Service August 31, 2025
Prelude
Call to Worship Ecclesiastes 3:14
Hymn JBC # 618 Living for Jesus
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC # 510 When we walk with the Lord
Offering
Scripture Acts 5:27～42
Prayer
Sermon “If it is from God”
Prayer
Hymn JBC # 520 My soul in sad exile
Doxology JBC # 672
Benediction
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
A Christian is one who follows Christ. Even if we cannot always live in accordance with Christ, a Christian is someone who has resolved to live in obedience to Christ, who is God.
We all live in obedience to something. Whether we are conscious of it or not, we live in obedience to some idea, our own experiences, our own hopes, or instructions and advice from others.
Christians certainly listen to their own thoughts and hopes, as well as advice from others.
However, Christians live with the teachings of Christ, who is God, and the words of the Bible as their most important guide and standard.
If their own guide or hope differs from what God says, Christians choose to live in obedience to God.
Christians should be resolved to do so. Yet this is not an easy thing.
In today's Scripture passage, Peter and the other disciples of Christ (the core members of the early church, called apostles) declare, “We must obey God rather than human beings” (verse 29).
From their figures, together today let’s think about what it means to live obeying God, to live seeking God's will.
In the passage preceding today's reading (the scene we heard in last week's worship message), the apostles had been arrested and put in prison.
They had been given strict orders not to speak in the name of Jesus Christ, yet they continued to preach the gospel of Christ, which is why they were arrested.
But an angel of the Lord came and opened the prison doors, leading them out. At that moment, the angel of the Lord said to them:
“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” (v.20)
Following that voice, the apostles were again teaching the people in the temple precincts (courts).
And they were arrested once more and brought before the Sanhedrin (the supreme court of Jewish society at that time)—this is today's Bible passage.
The Sanhedrin was arguably the highest authority and most powerful institution (organization) in Jewish society at that time.
The high priest said to the apostles:
28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” (v.28)
Then Peter and the other apostles replied:
“We must obey God rather than human beings!
Even when questioned by the supreme court, which held considerable power and authority, and moreover by the high priest, the highest religious authority, Peter and the others were able to answer so boldly.
Was it their own strength that enabled Peter and the others to act so boldly? No, it was Jesus Christ, crucified (cross) and risen (resurrection).
Let us read verse 31. These are the words of Peter and the others.
31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.
This person (him) is Jesus Christ. Why did Christ die on the cross and then rise again?
Peter says it was to make all Israel, and ultimately all people, aware of their sin, to repent to God, so that people might be forgiven and saved.
That conviction gave Peter the strength to speak boldly even before the high priest.
Those saved by Christ crucified and risen become people who strive to live accordingly, with the conviction that “we must obey God rather than human beings.”
Obeying God rather than human beings does not mean disregarding or ignoring people. It means fearing the Lord, God, above all people.
The Bible commands us: “We must fear God alone, the source of our life and the Creator of all things in this world.”
I believe that when we possess the proper fear of God, we gradually become able to live a life of obeying God rather than human beings.
And when we learn to fear and revere God, we can also respect others besides ourselves, treating them as precious beings.
And when what God points us toward differs from what people or the society around us point us toward, we pray that as Christians we may be able to obey God.
We pray that each believer, and the church itself, may continually ponder the meaning of “obeying God rather than human beings” and put it into practice.
In today's passage, the members of the Sanhedrin, upon hearing the apostles' words, were furious and sought to kill them (verse 33).
But at that moment, help for the apostles came from a truly unexpected source (person).
It was none other than one of the members of the Sanhedrin himself who stood up within the council and called for calm judgment from all the council members.
He was Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by the entire people and belonged to the Pharisee sect.
By all normal reasoning, he (Gamaliel) should have been on the side of the Sanhedrin members, in opposition to the apostles.
But unlike the high priest and the other Sanhedrin members, Gamaliel made a very fair and wise judgment, insisting, “consider carefully what you intend to do to these men (the apostles)”
Gamaliel reminded the council members of past events, urging them to learn from those lessons and make a calm judgment.
The first incident he mentioned was the uprising of a man named Theudas, who “claimed to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him.”
He stated that Theudas was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
The second incident was the rebellion led by a Galilean named Judas. In the end, he too was destroyed, and all who followed him were scattered.
Then Gamaliel told the members of the Sanhedrin, “Leave these men alone. Do nothing to them.”
Let us hear his words in verses 38–39.
38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
I believe Gamaliel was a remarkable man to have been able to make such a judgment.
It is safe to say that it was God Himself who gave Gamaliel this wise judgment and these words.
I believe Gamaliel's words contain several important teachings from God to us. I will share two that struck me.
First, the most important thing is to approach everything with caution, seeking God's will through prayer, and never making hasty judgments or taking impulsive action.
This means not acting solely driven by a sense of urgency—“I must do something!”—or by one's own emotions (such as anger).
The more important the matter, the more we should strive to make the best judgment possible—not through emotional decisions, but by praying, thinking, and seeking God's will.
The second is this: “For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men”
Gamaliel may have believed Peter's work was from God.
In any case, he reasoned: “If it is of human origin, it will collapse on its own. It will never succeed. But if it is from God, no one can destroy them, for God is with them.”
It is surprising that such words of wisdom, such a calm and faith-filled judgment, came from someone who was supposedly opposed to the apostles.
At this moment, I believe it is fair to say that Peter and the other apostles were aided by their enemies. This too is one of God's wondrous works.
In this way, God sometimes advances His own plan by using various people. God speaks through many different individuals.
Therefore, let us treasure listening to the voices and opinions of others—those who hold different thoughts and views from our own—and to each other's voices.
Gamaliel's opinion was accepted, but before the apostles were released, they were flogged and again ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus.
Looking at verse 41, it says the disciples rejoiced that “they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name”.
And the passage ends with the description that they continued to proclaim the gospel about Jesus the Messiah (Savior) in the temple courts and from house to house.
The flogging must have been painful for them, and it must have been humiliating.
Yet, a joy surpassing the physical pain and humiliation was given to them. It was the joy of proclaiming the gospel of Christ.
For us today, who do not face such direct persecution, this passage may be difficult to grasp.
Yet even as modern believers, we may experience discomfort or unpleasant feelings—if not outright shame—when our Christian faith clashes with the prevailing trends and ideas of the society and world in which we live.
We pray for the society and world in which we live.
And we, saved by Christ, desire to value a faith-rooted way of life that cherishes what “comes from God” above the prevailing trends and common sense demanded by the world.
We today are alive because of the history of those early Christian believers—Peter and the other apostles—who, even amid persecution, continued proclaiming the gospel with God's help and the support of others.
Even when facing difficulties and hardships that come with having faith, even when we experience unpleasant feelings because of it, we desire to live out our faith with the hope and conviction that “if it is from God, you will not be able to stop.”
Prelude
Call to Worship Ecclesiastes 3:14
Hymn JBC # 618 Living for Jesus
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC # 510 When we walk with the Lord
Offering
Scripture Acts 5:27～42
Prayer
Sermon “If it is from God”
Prayer
Hymn JBC # 520 My soul in sad exile
Doxology JBC # 672
Benediction
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
A Christian is one who follows Christ. Even if we cannot always live in accordance with Christ, a Christian is someone who has resolved to live in obedience to Christ, who is God.
We all live in obedience to something. Whether we are conscious of it or not, we live in obedience to some idea, our own experiences, our own hopes, or instructions and advice from others.
Christians certainly listen to their own thoughts and hopes, as well as advice from others.
However, Christians live with the teachings of Christ, who is God, and the words of the Bible as their most important guide and standard.
If their own guide or hope differs from what God says, Christians choose to live in obedience to God.
Christians should be resolved to do so. Yet this is not an easy thing.
In today's Scripture passage, Peter and the other disciples of Christ (the core members of the early church, called apostles) declare, “We must obey God rather than human beings” (verse 29).
From their figures, together today let’s think about what it means to live obeying God, to live seeking God's will.
In the passage preceding today's reading (the scene we heard in last week's worship message), the apostles had been arrested and put in prison.
They had been given strict orders not to speak in the name of Jesus Christ, yet they continued to preach the gospel of Christ, which is why they were arrested.
But an angel of the Lord came and opened the prison doors, leading them out. At that moment, the angel of the Lord said to them:
“Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about this new life.” (v.20)
Following that voice, the apostles were again teaching the people in the temple precincts (courts).
And they were arrested once more and brought before the Sanhedrin (the supreme court of Jewish society at that time)—this is today's Bible passage.
The Sanhedrin was arguably the highest authority and most powerful institution (organization) in Jewish society at that time.
The high priest said to the apostles:
28 “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.” (v.28)
Then Peter and the other apostles replied:
“We must obey God rather than human beings!
Even when questioned by the supreme court, which held considerable power and authority, and moreover by the high priest, the highest religious authority, Peter and the others were able to answer so boldly.
Was it their own strength that enabled Peter and the others to act so boldly? No, it was Jesus Christ, crucified (cross) and risen (resurrection).
Let us read verse 31. These are the words of Peter and the others.
31 God exalted him to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins.
This person (him) is Jesus Christ. Why did Christ die on the cross and then rise again?
Peter says it was to make all Israel, and ultimately all people, aware of their sin, to repent to God, so that people might be forgiven and saved.
That conviction gave Peter the strength to speak boldly even before the high priest.
Those saved by Christ crucified and risen become people who strive to live accordingly, with the conviction that “we must obey God rather than human beings.”
Obeying God rather than human beings does not mean disregarding or ignoring people. It means fearing the Lord, God, above all people.
The Bible commands us: “We must fear God alone, the source of our life and the Creator of all things in this world.”
I believe that when we possess the proper fear of God, we gradually become able to live a life of obeying God rather than human beings.
And when we learn to fear and revere God, we can also respect others besides ourselves, treating them as precious beings.
And when what God points us toward differs from what people or the society around us point us toward, we pray that as Christians we may be able to obey God.
We pray that each believer, and the church itself, may continually ponder the meaning of “obeying God rather than human beings” and put it into practice.
In today's passage, the members of the Sanhedrin, upon hearing the apostles' words, were furious and sought to kill them (verse 33).
But at that moment, help for the apostles came from a truly unexpected source (person).
It was none other than one of the members of the Sanhedrin himself who stood up within the council and called for calm judgment from all the council members.
He was Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was respected by the entire people and belonged to the Pharisee sect.
By all normal reasoning, he (Gamaliel) should have been on the side of the Sanhedrin members, in opposition to the apostles.
But unlike the high priest and the other Sanhedrin members, Gamaliel made a very fair and wise judgment, insisting, “consider carefully what you intend to do to these men (the apostles)”
Gamaliel reminded the council members of past events, urging them to learn from those lessons and make a calm judgment.
The first incident he mentioned was the uprising of a man named Theudas, who “claimed to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him.”
He stated that Theudas was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
The second incident was the rebellion led by a Galilean named Judas. In the end, he too was destroyed, and all who followed him were scattered.
Then Gamaliel told the members of the Sanhedrin, “Leave these men alone. Do nothing to them.”
Let us hear his words in verses 38–39.
38 Therefore, in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. 39 But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”
I believe Gamaliel was a remarkable man to have been able to make such a judgment.
It is safe to say that it was God Himself who gave Gamaliel this wise judgment and these words.
I believe Gamaliel's words contain several important teachings from God to us. I will share two that struck me.
First, the most important thing is to approach everything with caution, seeking God's will through prayer, and never making hasty judgments or taking impulsive action.
This means not acting solely driven by a sense of urgency—“I must do something!”—or by one's own emotions (such as anger).
The more important the matter, the more we should strive to make the best judgment possible—not through emotional decisions, but by praying, thinking, and seeking God's will.
The second is this: “For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men”
Gamaliel may have believed Peter's work was from God.
In any case, he reasoned: “If it is of human origin, it will collapse on its own. It will never succeed. But if it is from God, no one can destroy them, for God is with them.”
It is surprising that such words of wisdom, such a calm and faith-filled judgment, came from someone who was supposedly opposed to the apostles.
At this moment, I believe it is fair to say that Peter and the other apostles were aided by their enemies. This too is one of God's wondrous works.
In this way, God sometimes advances His own plan by using various people. God speaks through many different individuals.
Therefore, let us treasure listening to the voices and opinions of others—those who hold different thoughts and views from our own—and to each other's voices.
Gamaliel's opinion was accepted, but before the apostles were released, they were flogged and again ordered not to speak in the name of Jesus.
Looking at verse 41, it says the disciples rejoiced that “they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name”.
And the passage ends with the description that they continued to proclaim the gospel about Jesus the Messiah (Savior) in the temple courts and from house to house.
The flogging must have been painful for them, and it must have been humiliating.
Yet, a joy surpassing the physical pain and humiliation was given to them. It was the joy of proclaiming the gospel of Christ.
For us today, who do not face such direct persecution, this passage may be difficult to grasp.
Yet even as modern believers, we may experience discomfort or unpleasant feelings—if not outright shame—when our Christian faith clashes with the prevailing trends and ideas of the society and world in which we live.
We pray for the society and world in which we live.
And we, saved by Christ, desire to value a faith-rooted way of life that cherishes what “comes from God” above the prevailing trends and common sense demanded by the world.
We today are alive because of the history of those early Christian believers—Peter and the other apostles—who, even amid persecution, continued proclaiming the gospel with God's help and the support of others.
Even when facing difficulties and hardships that come with having faith, even when we experience unpleasant feelings because of it, we desire to live out our faith with the hope and conviction that “if it is from God, you will not be able to stop.”
Saturday, August 23, 2025
August 24, 2025 Sunday Worship Service
Prelude
Call to Worship Psalms 33:6
Hymn JBC # 495 Thy way, not mine, O Lord
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC# 510 When we walk with the Lord
The Lord’s Supper
Offering
Scripture Acts 5:12~26
Prayer
Sermon Tell the people all about this new life.”
Prayer
Hymn JBC # 134 Sing them over again to me
Doxology JBC # 672
Benediction
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Today's Bible passage begins with this sentence; “The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people.”
The disciples who were called apostles, who played a central role among Christ's disciples, performed many signs and wonders.
These included healing people's illnesses and casting out demons from those who were demon possessed.
Although the apostles performed such works, it was not their own power that made it possible.
It was the power of the Lord God.
And the fact that many signs and wonders were performed through the hands of the apostles was also evidence that God had answered their prayers.
They had prayed as follows in the passage preceding today's passage.
Acts 4:29～30
29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
The apostles prayed that they would be able to boldly proclaim the word of God, even in the face of persecution from those who sought to hinder their evangelical work.
And even in difficult circumstances, they prayed that through the hand of God reaching out to them, and in the name of Jesus Christ, the sick would be healed and those in distress would be helped.
This was also the apostles' resolve: “May God's work be done. For this purpose, we dedicate ourselves and work as Your hands and feet.”
When we dedicate ourselves to God and pray, wishing “We will work for God,” God will surely answer our prayers.
Whether God hears our prayers depends on whether those who believe in Christ and pray make the decision to dedicate themselves to God.
Every time we dedicate ourselves and experience the faith that God's work is done through us, our faith is strengthened and grows.
We desire to accumulate such experiences of faith together, where we entrust ourselves to God, dedicate ourselves to Him, and see His work come to fruition.
In today's passage, it is also written that the apostles gathered together with one heart in Solomon’s Colonnade. Solomon's Colonnade was a long corridor outside the temple in Jerusalem.
Solomon's Colonnade was the place where Jesus once clearly told the Jews that he was the Messiah.
In John 10:22, it is written about the time when Jesus was walking in Solomon's Colonnade.
The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” (John 10:24)
Jesus answered: “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, (John 10:25)
In today's passage, although Jesus was no longer physically present with the apostles, I imagine that they were recalling what Jesus had said to them in Solomon's Colonnade.
Jesus had declared in words that He was the Messiah (the Savior who redeems humanity from sin). That Jesus Christ is the Messiah was the very truth upon which the apostles stood.
Jesus also said, “There are those who do not believe, but the various works (deeds) that Jesus Himself performs will testify about Him.”
As the apostles recalled Jesus' those words and deeds, they likely hoped that God's glory would be revealed not only through their words but also through their actual works.
Their prayers and desires were heard by God. Through the various powerful works performed by the apostles, the kingdom of God was proclaimed to the people.
In the passage from verse 15 onward, it is written, “People would carry the sick out into the streets and lay them there so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.”
In verse 16, it is written that many sick people and those tormented by unclean spirits were brought to the apostles, and not one of them was left untreated.
“Not one of them was left untreated” means that everyone received what they truly desired.
From this, I was made to think that it would be wonderful if the current church could be a place where “everyone can receive what they truly desire.”
What is it that we truly desire?
I believe that each of us carries an unfulfilled heart. We have a longing for something to fill that unfulfilled heart.
It is a spiritual thirst and a desire of the soul. We try to fill it with various things.
However, the only One who can truly satisfy the thirst of our souls and spirits is the Lord God. Only the love of God revealed through Christ can fill our hearts.
In the church, I pray that each and every one of us who are connected to the church may be truly satisfied by God, who can truly satisfy our hearts and souls, and that we may all be healed without exception.
May each one of us be filled with the love of God, which is not temporary, but permanent, certain, and true. I sincerely pray that the church will always be filled with such love from God.
In the latter half of today's passage, it is written that jealousy arose among the high priest and his Sadducee toward the apostles. They arrested the apostles and put them in prison.
“Jealousy” is one of the most prominent characteristics of human sinfulness. The Bible states that it was the jealousy of the Jewish authorities that led to Jesus Christ being crucified.
For the high priest and the Sadducees, who formed the main sect of Judaism, it was unbearable that the apostles were performing powerful works and were being praised by the people.
The high priest and the Sadducees were supposed to be people who believe in God, convey God's will to the people, and encourage them to serve God.
If they had been truly faithful to their duties, there would have been no need for them to feel jealous of Christ's apostles, for God's work was being done through them.
However, rather than acknowledging the wonderful works being performed by the apostles, they felt jealous that the praise they believed they deserved was being directed toward the apostles, and this jealousy consumed their hearts.
And so they put the apostles in prison. But the Lord sent angels to rescue them.
We too may find ourselves in crisis situations. But even when we think there is no hope, the Lord God will send us the help and helpers we need, according to His plan.
After Jesus was crucified, died, and buried in the tomb, the women went to the tomb on the third day to anoint His body with spices. It was Easter morning.
The entrance to the tomb was covered with a large stone, but the women hurried to the tomb without knowing who would roll the stone away. (Mark 16) However, when the women arrived at the tomb, the stone had already been rolled aside.
Just as the stone blocking the entrance to Christ's tomb—a major obstacle—had been moved, when we are confused and troubled, wondering, “What should we do?” God will surely provide help at that time.
God will surely give us the help and guidance we need according to His plan, so let us trust in God and continue to move forward, even if only little by little, even in the midst of difficulties.
The angel of the Lord opened the door of the prison where the apostles were being held, led them out, and said to them,
Verse 20: “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about (the words of) this new life.”
(In the NIV version, it is written “all about this new life”, but in the original Greek version, it is written “all about the words of this new life.”)
“Proclaim this word of life to all the people”—this is still the mission given to us as Christians today.
In the church, the word of God (the words of the Bible) is heard and shared. And the word of God is the word of life. For we humans are those who live by the word of God.
The word of God is not merely a word that is “useful for living, so it is better to hear it than not to hear it.” The word of God is the word of life for us to live.
God has ordained that this word be preserved by those who believe in it, by the church, heard, and transmitted to the world.
In today's passage, the Lord God sent an angel to assist the apostles, but it was not merely to save them at that time.
It was so that the word of life, that is, God's word, might be transmitted to many people and eventually to the whole world.
The work of hearing God's words, living by God's words, and spreading God's words to the world has been carried on continuously from the time of the first Christian church about 2,000 years ago to the present day.
“To speak all the words of life”—this is not something that can be accomplished by a single Christian, a single church, or a single era.
However, with the goal of accomplishing this, Christians continue to speak God's words without any omission. Through such work, we come to live and be sustained by the word of God.
God has given us His words of life through Jesus Christ.
We can never hide or lock away God's words of life just somewhere.
Let us listen to every word that Jesus Christ spoke throughout His life.
Let us be filled with God's words, share the overflowing grace with others, and proclaim it to the world.
Prelude
Call to Worship Psalms 33:6
Hymn JBC # 495 Thy way, not mine, O Lord
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC# 510 When we walk with the Lord
The Lord’s Supper
Offering
Scripture Acts 5:12~26
Prayer
Sermon Tell the people all about this new life.”
Prayer
Hymn JBC # 134 Sing them over again to me
Doxology JBC # 672
Benediction
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Today's Bible passage begins with this sentence; “The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people.”
The disciples who were called apostles, who played a central role among Christ's disciples, performed many signs and wonders.
These included healing people's illnesses and casting out demons from those who were demon possessed.
Although the apostles performed such works, it was not their own power that made it possible.
It was the power of the Lord God.
And the fact that many signs and wonders were performed through the hands of the apostles was also evidence that God had answered their prayers.
They had prayed as follows in the passage preceding today's passage.
Acts 4:29～30
29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your word with great boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus.”
The apostles prayed that they would be able to boldly proclaim the word of God, even in the face of persecution from those who sought to hinder their evangelical work.
And even in difficult circumstances, they prayed that through the hand of God reaching out to them, and in the name of Jesus Christ, the sick would be healed and those in distress would be helped.
This was also the apostles' resolve: “May God's work be done. For this purpose, we dedicate ourselves and work as Your hands and feet.”
When we dedicate ourselves to God and pray, wishing “We will work for God,” God will surely answer our prayers.
Whether God hears our prayers depends on whether those who believe in Christ and pray make the decision to dedicate themselves to God.
Every time we dedicate ourselves and experience the faith that God's work is done through us, our faith is strengthened and grows.
We desire to accumulate such experiences of faith together, where we entrust ourselves to God, dedicate ourselves to Him, and see His work come to fruition.
In today's passage, it is also written that the apostles gathered together with one heart in Solomon’s Colonnade. Solomon's Colonnade was a long corridor outside the temple in Jerusalem.
Solomon's Colonnade was the place where Jesus once clearly told the Jews that he was the Messiah.
In John 10:22, it is written about the time when Jesus was walking in Solomon's Colonnade.
The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.” (John 10:24)
Jesus answered: “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, (John 10:25)
In today's passage, although Jesus was no longer physically present with the apostles, I imagine that they were recalling what Jesus had said to them in Solomon's Colonnade.
Jesus had declared in words that He was the Messiah (the Savior who redeems humanity from sin). That Jesus Christ is the Messiah was the very truth upon which the apostles stood.
Jesus also said, “There are those who do not believe, but the various works (deeds) that Jesus Himself performs will testify about Him.”
As the apostles recalled Jesus' those words and deeds, they likely hoped that God's glory would be revealed not only through their words but also through their actual works.
Their prayers and desires were heard by God. Through the various powerful works performed by the apostles, the kingdom of God was proclaimed to the people.
In the passage from verse 15 onward, it is written, “People would carry the sick out into the streets and lay them there so that at least Peter's shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.”
In verse 16, it is written that many sick people and those tormented by unclean spirits were brought to the apostles, and not one of them was left untreated.
“Not one of them was left untreated” means that everyone received what they truly desired.
From this, I was made to think that it would be wonderful if the current church could be a place where “everyone can receive what they truly desire.”
What is it that we truly desire?
I believe that each of us carries an unfulfilled heart. We have a longing for something to fill that unfulfilled heart.
It is a spiritual thirst and a desire of the soul. We try to fill it with various things.
However, the only One who can truly satisfy the thirst of our souls and spirits is the Lord God. Only the love of God revealed through Christ can fill our hearts.
In the church, I pray that each and every one of us who are connected to the church may be truly satisfied by God, who can truly satisfy our hearts and souls, and that we may all be healed without exception.
May each one of us be filled with the love of God, which is not temporary, but permanent, certain, and true. I sincerely pray that the church will always be filled with such love from God.
In the latter half of today's passage, it is written that jealousy arose among the high priest and his Sadducee toward the apostles. They arrested the apostles and put them in prison.
“Jealousy” is one of the most prominent characteristics of human sinfulness. The Bible states that it was the jealousy of the Jewish authorities that led to Jesus Christ being crucified.
For the high priest and the Sadducees, who formed the main sect of Judaism, it was unbearable that the apostles were performing powerful works and were being praised by the people.
The high priest and the Sadducees were supposed to be people who believe in God, convey God's will to the people, and encourage them to serve God.
If they had been truly faithful to their duties, there would have been no need for them to feel jealous of Christ's apostles, for God's work was being done through them.
However, rather than acknowledging the wonderful works being performed by the apostles, they felt jealous that the praise they believed they deserved was being directed toward the apostles, and this jealousy consumed their hearts.
And so they put the apostles in prison. But the Lord sent angels to rescue them.
We too may find ourselves in crisis situations. But even when we think there is no hope, the Lord God will send us the help and helpers we need, according to His plan.
After Jesus was crucified, died, and buried in the tomb, the women went to the tomb on the third day to anoint His body with spices. It was Easter morning.
The entrance to the tomb was covered with a large stone, but the women hurried to the tomb without knowing who would roll the stone away. (Mark 16) However, when the women arrived at the tomb, the stone had already been rolled aside.
Just as the stone blocking the entrance to Christ's tomb—a major obstacle—had been moved, when we are confused and troubled, wondering, “What should we do?” God will surely provide help at that time.
God will surely give us the help and guidance we need according to His plan, so let us trust in God and continue to move forward, even if only little by little, even in the midst of difficulties.
The angel of the Lord opened the door of the prison where the apostles were being held, led them out, and said to them,
Verse 20: “Go, stand in the temple courts,” he said, “and tell the people all about (the words of) this new life.”
(In the NIV version, it is written “all about this new life”, but in the original Greek version, it is written “all about the words of this new life.”)
“Proclaim this word of life to all the people”—this is still the mission given to us as Christians today.
In the church, the word of God (the words of the Bible) is heard and shared. And the word of God is the word of life. For we humans are those who live by the word of God.
The word of God is not merely a word that is “useful for living, so it is better to hear it than not to hear it.” The word of God is the word of life for us to live.
God has ordained that this word be preserved by those who believe in it, by the church, heard, and transmitted to the world.
In today's passage, the Lord God sent an angel to assist the apostles, but it was not merely to save them at that time.
It was so that the word of life, that is, God's word, might be transmitted to many people and eventually to the whole world.
The work of hearing God's words, living by God's words, and spreading God's words to the world has been carried on continuously from the time of the first Christian church about 2,000 years ago to the present day.
“To speak all the words of life”—this is not something that can be accomplished by a single Christian, a single church, or a single era.
However, with the goal of accomplishing this, Christians continue to speak God's words without any omission. Through such work, we come to live and be sustained by the word of God.
God has given us His words of life through Jesus Christ.
We can never hide or lock away God's words of life just somewhere.
Let us listen to every word that Jesus Christ spoke throughout His life.
Let us be filled with God's words, share the overflowing grace with others, and proclaim it to the world.
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Sunday Worship Service for those who have passed on
Prelude
Call to Worship 2 Peter 1:3
Hymn JBC #240 Jesus Christ is risen today
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC #510 When we walk the Lord
Offering
Remembering those who have passed on
Scripture Lamentations 3:22~33
Prayer
Sermon “The Lord’s great love never ceases”
Prayer
Hymn JBC # 601 Sing the wondrous love of Jesus
Doxology JBC # 672
Benediction
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Today, we are offering Sunday worship as a memorial service for those who have passed on.
In front of you are photographs of those who have passed away from our church. Earlier, I read out their names.
Those include members of our church, family members of church members, and even those who were not members of the church but with whose passing the church or pastor was involved, and for whom we held a funeral service at the church.
Among those with whom I had direct contact, there were some who were aware that their death was approaching and were preparing for it.
On the other hand, there were some who were unexpectedly called to heaven suddenly.
Death will inevitably come to us all. No one knows when or how death will come. Because we don't know it, death causes us anxiety.
And, losing a loved one brings us great sadness.
In addition to the sadness of losing a loved one, there are other painful events in our lives that cause us suffering, sadness, and sometimes even despair.
How should we deal with such sadness, or even despair? Let us listen to a passage from the Old Testament book of ‘Lamentations’, which is today's Bible reading.
Lamentations conveys the words of lamentation (weeping) of Jeremiah, a prophet (a person who received words from God and conveyed them to the people).
Jeremiah's prophetic words are recorded in the Book of ‘Jeremiah’, which precedes Lamentations.
In this Lamentations, Jeremiah mourns a single death. It was the death of his own country. His country (the Kingdom of Judah) was destroyed by the neighboring empire (the Babylonian Empire).
Why was his country destroyed? I believe that Jeremiah felt great doubt, sorrow, and suffering about this.
The Book of Jeremiah begins with an account of how Jeremiah was first called by God and appointed as a prophet.
Let us read Jeremiah 1:4-5.
4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
This story takes place in what is now Israel, around the 7th to 6th centuries BC.
At that time, Israel was divided into Northern Israel and Southern Judah, and Northern Israel had already been destroyed by the Assyrian Empire.
Even when God told Jeremiah, “I chose you as a prophet before you were born,” Jeremiah hesitated to respond to God's call, saying, “I am only a young man. I do not know how to speak.”
However, God encouraged Jeremiah by saying, “Do not say that you are too young.”
God also said to Jeremiah, let me read from Jeremiah 1:9.
9 Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth.
God promised Jeremiah, “I will give you the words to speak to the people, so you need not worry.”
And Jeremiah, as a prophet, continued to convey God's words to the people of Israel, calling on them to “believe in God, turn away from sin, and return to God.”
Was the prophet Jeremiah successful in his work as a prophet?
As I mentioned earlier, his country (the Kingdom of Judah) was eventually destroyed, the temple was demolished, and many of the Jewish people were taken captive to the Babylonian Empire, which had conquered them.
Witnessing the destruction of his country, Jeremiah must have felt disappointed, thinking that his work as a prophet had failed.
Jeremiah must have been in great pain and sorrow. His lamentations were recorded in the Book of Lamentations.
I think everyone experiences sadness in their lives. I think everyone experiences suffering in their lives. There is no such thing as a life without sadness or suffering.
The cause of Jeremiah's sorrow and suffering was that “even though he worked hard to convey God's words to the people of his country (Israel), many people did not listen to his words, and in the end, the country was destroyed.”
Jeremiah seemed to have lost hope in himself. “Everything I've done has been in vain. Was there any meaning to my life and work?” he must have thought.
Jeremiah certainly reached his own limits.
This can be understood from the first half of verse 18, which precedes today's passage.
So I say, “My splendor (*in Japanese “the power to live”) is gone
Jeremiah says, “My power to live is gone.” This means that it is no longer possible to live by his own strength.
However, when Jeremiah realized that “it is enough, impossible, I can do nothing on my own,” an important truth was revealed to him.
That is the message of today's Bible passage: “The Lord's mercy never ceases,” (NIV: “the Lord’s great love we are not consumed”), and “The Lord's compassions never fail.”
Jeremiah clearly recognized his own powerlessness, weakness, and helplessness, saying, “My splendor (strength) is gone.”
However, the mercy (love) of the Lord God is unending and never ceases, and the compassion of the Lord God will never run out for us. This was clearly shown to Jeremiah when he realized his own powerlessness.
The message conveyed throughout the Bible is that “even though the Israelites, God's chosen people, continued to disobey Him, God never gave up on His love for them.”
Jeremiah's words tell us that even though we continue to disobey God and are sinners, God will never completely abandon us.
Even if it seems like the country has fallen and there is no hope left, and even if you feel like you cannot survive on your own, it is actually at times like these that a new beginning awaits.
Christian churches hold weekly worship services. The focus of worship is Jesus Christ and the words of Jesus Christ, namely the words of the Bible.
The words of the Bible convey to us the hope that “the Lord's love never ceases, it is new every morning,” just as it is written in today's passage.
If we open our hearts, humble ourselves before the Lord God (acknowledging our own powerlessness), and face God's Word, then each time we do so, the words of the Bible will come to us with new resonance and power.
On the cross, Jesus Christ gave His life for us, and even now He continues to say to us, “I love you. I will never give up on you.”
The Lord's endless mercy (love) and compassion are revealed to us through the words of the Bible. Therefore, we continue to listen to the words of the Bible and continue to worship centered on the words of the Bible.
In the Bible, there is a story about Jesus Christ multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish through prayer and feeding thousands of people, leaving them all full. The great work of the miracle by Christ.
In this way, Christ continues to satisfy our spiritual, mental, and emotional hunger and thirst through the power of His Word, giving us the strength to live.
Even when our own strength fails us, when we surrender everything to God, we come to believe in the truth that “God's love never fails and never ceases.”
We sincerely wish to give thanks for the endless love of God, which we can always receive through His Word and worship.
Let's read verses 27-28 of today's passage.
27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.
28 Let him sit alone in silence,
for the Lord has laid it on him.
A yoke is a tool placed around the necks of cows and horses for agricultural work (plowing fields). When yoked, cows and horses are unable to move freely.
From this, we can see that the yoke is a metaphor for the burdens, hardships, and sufferings that we bear in our lives.
In everyone's life, there may be times when they are burdened with a heavy load, as if a yoke were placed around their neck. At such times, “let him sit alone in silence” does not mean “do nothing” or “just endure.”
It means, “Give up your own power and entrust yourself to the Lord. Return to God.”
Jesus Christ said the following.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28～30)
I think we all have to bear various kinds of “yokes” in our lives.
To us, Jesus says, “Come to me and take my (Christ's) yoke upon you, and you will find rest.”
Why is Jesus' yoke “easy to bear”? It is because Jesus bears that yoke with us.
Even the burdens we feel as if we are carrying it alone, in fact Jesus is with us and carries them with us.
Let us live our lives believing in Jesus Christ, who bears our burdens with us.
The departed souls we remember today must have each had their own burdens, sorrows, and hardships in their lives.
When you remember that suffering and sadness, some of your close friends and family members may still feel pain in their hearts and a wrenching pain in their chests.
However, we can believe that Jesus was with those who had passed away, sharing in their suffering and sorrow, and bearing their burdens with them.
And Jesus bears our burdens with us today too. Even if we cannot bear them on our own, we can live by entrusting them to Jesus, who bears them with us.
Living involves pain and sadness.
However, the Bible tells us that sorrow eventually leads us to know God, whose love never ends, and guides us to God.
No matter how much sorrow or suffering we experience, nothing can prevent us from worshipping God, praying, and praising Him (praising God, not humans).
In today's worship service, as we remember those who have passed away, let us reaffirm our belief that we are being kept alive each morning by the Lord's mercy, love, and compassion, and let us rejoice and give thanks for this, and resolve to walk forward in the days ahead.
Prelude
Call to Worship 2 Peter 1:3
Hymn JBC #240 Jesus Christ is risen today
The Lord’s Prayer
Hymn JBC #510 When we walk the Lord
Offering
Remembering those who have passed on
Scripture Lamentations 3:22~33
Prayer
Sermon “The Lord’s great love never ceases”
Prayer
Hymn JBC # 601 Sing the wondrous love of Jesus
Doxology JBC # 672
Benediction
Postlude
Welcome & Announcements
Today, we are offering Sunday worship as a memorial service for those who have passed on.
In front of you are photographs of those who have passed away from our church. Earlier, I read out their names.
Those include members of our church, family members of church members, and even those who were not members of the church but with whose passing the church or pastor was involved, and for whom we held a funeral service at the church.
Among those with whom I had direct contact, there were some who were aware that their death was approaching and were preparing for it.
On the other hand, there were some who were unexpectedly called to heaven suddenly.
Death will inevitably come to us all. No one knows when or how death will come. Because we don't know it, death causes us anxiety.
And, losing a loved one brings us great sadness.
In addition to the sadness of losing a loved one, there are other painful events in our lives that cause us suffering, sadness, and sometimes even despair.
How should we deal with such sadness, or even despair? Let us listen to a passage from the Old Testament book of ‘Lamentations’, which is today's Bible reading.
Lamentations conveys the words of lamentation (weeping) of Jeremiah, a prophet (a person who received words from God and conveyed them to the people).
Jeremiah's prophetic words are recorded in the Book of ‘Jeremiah’, which precedes Lamentations.
In this Lamentations, Jeremiah mourns a single death. It was the death of his own country. His country (the Kingdom of Judah) was destroyed by the neighboring empire (the Babylonian Empire).
Why was his country destroyed? I believe that Jeremiah felt great doubt, sorrow, and suffering about this.
The Book of Jeremiah begins with an account of how Jeremiah was first called by God and appointed as a prophet.
Let us read Jeremiah 1:4-5.
4 The word of the Lord came to me, saying,
5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
before you were born I set you apart;
I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
This story takes place in what is now Israel, around the 7th to 6th centuries BC.
At that time, Israel was divided into Northern Israel and Southern Judah, and Northern Israel had already been destroyed by the Assyrian Empire.
Even when God told Jeremiah, “I chose you as a prophet before you were born,” Jeremiah hesitated to respond to God's call, saying, “I am only a young man. I do not know how to speak.”
However, God encouraged Jeremiah by saying, “Do not say that you are too young.”
God also said to Jeremiah, let me read from Jeremiah 1:9.
9 Then the Lord reached out his hand and touched my mouth and said to me, “I have put my words in your mouth.
God promised Jeremiah, “I will give you the words to speak to the people, so you need not worry.”
And Jeremiah, as a prophet, continued to convey God's words to the people of Israel, calling on them to “believe in God, turn away from sin, and return to God.”
Was the prophet Jeremiah successful in his work as a prophet?
As I mentioned earlier, his country (the Kingdom of Judah) was eventually destroyed, the temple was demolished, and many of the Jewish people were taken captive to the Babylonian Empire, which had conquered them.
Witnessing the destruction of his country, Jeremiah must have felt disappointed, thinking that his work as a prophet had failed.
Jeremiah must have been in great pain and sorrow. His lamentations were recorded in the Book of Lamentations.
I think everyone experiences sadness in their lives. I think everyone experiences suffering in their lives. There is no such thing as a life without sadness or suffering.
The cause of Jeremiah's sorrow and suffering was that “even though he worked hard to convey God's words to the people of his country (Israel), many people did not listen to his words, and in the end, the country was destroyed.”
Jeremiah seemed to have lost hope in himself. “Everything I've done has been in vain. Was there any meaning to my life and work?” he must have thought.
Jeremiah certainly reached his own limits.
This can be understood from the first half of verse 18, which precedes today's passage.
So I say, “My splendor (*in Japanese “the power to live”) is gone
Jeremiah says, “My power to live is gone.” This means that it is no longer possible to live by his own strength.
However, when Jeremiah realized that “it is enough, impossible, I can do nothing on my own,” an important truth was revealed to him.
That is the message of today's Bible passage: “The Lord's mercy never ceases,” (NIV: “the Lord’s great love we are not consumed”), and “The Lord's compassions never fail.”
Jeremiah clearly recognized his own powerlessness, weakness, and helplessness, saying, “My splendor (strength) is gone.”
However, the mercy (love) of the Lord God is unending and never ceases, and the compassion of the Lord God will never run out for us. This was clearly shown to Jeremiah when he realized his own powerlessness.
The message conveyed throughout the Bible is that “even though the Israelites, God's chosen people, continued to disobey Him, God never gave up on His love for them.”
Jeremiah's words tell us that even though we continue to disobey God and are sinners, God will never completely abandon us.
Even if it seems like the country has fallen and there is no hope left, and even if you feel like you cannot survive on your own, it is actually at times like these that a new beginning awaits.
Christian churches hold weekly worship services. The focus of worship is Jesus Christ and the words of Jesus Christ, namely the words of the Bible.
The words of the Bible convey to us the hope that “the Lord's love never ceases, it is new every morning,” just as it is written in today's passage.
If we open our hearts, humble ourselves before the Lord God (acknowledging our own powerlessness), and face God's Word, then each time we do so, the words of the Bible will come to us with new resonance and power.
On the cross, Jesus Christ gave His life for us, and even now He continues to say to us, “I love you. I will never give up on you.”
The Lord's endless mercy (love) and compassion are revealed to us through the words of the Bible. Therefore, we continue to listen to the words of the Bible and continue to worship centered on the words of the Bible.
In the Bible, there is a story about Jesus Christ multiplying five loaves of bread and two fish through prayer and feeding thousands of people, leaving them all full. The great work of the miracle by Christ.
In this way, Christ continues to satisfy our spiritual, mental, and emotional hunger and thirst through the power of His Word, giving us the strength to live.
Even when our own strength fails us, when we surrender everything to God, we come to believe in the truth that “God's love never fails and never ceases.”
We sincerely wish to give thanks for the endless love of God, which we can always receive through His Word and worship.
Let's read verses 27-28 of today's passage.
27 It is good for a man to bear the yoke
while he is young.
28 Let him sit alone in silence,
for the Lord has laid it on him.
A yoke is a tool placed around the necks of cows and horses for agricultural work (plowing fields). When yoked, cows and horses are unable to move freely.
From this, we can see that the yoke is a metaphor for the burdens, hardships, and sufferings that we bear in our lives.
In everyone's life, there may be times when they are burdened with a heavy load, as if a yoke were placed around their neck. At such times, “let him sit alone in silence” does not mean “do nothing” or “just endure.”
It means, “Give up your own power and entrust yourself to the Lord. Return to God.”
Jesus Christ said the following.
28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28～30)
I think we all have to bear various kinds of “yokes” in our lives.
To us, Jesus says, “Come to me and take my (Christ's) yoke upon you, and you will find rest.”
Why is Jesus' yoke “easy to bear”? It is because Jesus bears that yoke with us.
Even the burdens we feel as if we are carrying it alone, in fact Jesus is with us and carries them with us.
Let us live our lives believing in Jesus Christ, who bears our burdens with us.
The departed souls we remember today must have each had their own burdens, sorrows, and hardships in their lives.
When you remember that suffering and sadness, some of your close friends and family members may still feel pain in their hearts and a wrenching pain in their chests.
However, we can believe that Jesus was with those who had passed away, sharing in their suffering and sorrow, and bearing their burdens with them.
And Jesus bears our burdens with us today too. Even if we cannot bear them on our own, we can live by entrusting them to Jesus, who bears them with us.
Living involves pain and sadness.
However, the Bible tells us that sorrow eventually leads us to know God, whose love never ends, and guides us to God.
No matter how much sorrow or suffering we experience, nothing can prevent us from worshipping God, praying, and praising Him (praising God, not humans).
In today's worship service, as we remember those who have passed away, let us reaffirm our belief that we are being kept alive each morning by the Lord's mercy, love, and compassion, and let us rejoice and give thanks for this, and resolve to walk forward in the days ahead.
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